11 Monks Hill Road, Chewton, VIC 3451

An 1860s miner's cottage sits at the heart of this Chewton property, framed by more than a century of established gums, willows, poplars and elms. Set back from the street behind a sweeping driveway, the garden faces north and holds the light for most of the day.

The cottage carries its history honestly. Stone terracing steps down from the house to a sweep of lawn, framed by established ornamental and gum trees that have had generations to find their shape. Inside, period timber floorboards and timber dado panelling sit beneath timber-clad ceilings, the double-glazed windows keeping the rooms comfortable through the seasons while framing the garden and landscape views.

The north-facing living space is centred by a bay window fitted with a window seat, drawing in the borrowed landscape of the neighbouring paddock and the countryside beyond. A Rocket solid wood heater and a split system carry the room through the seasons, with a servery pass-through to the kitchen keeping the everyday rhythms connected. An adjoining sitting room offers its own bay window over the front garden and a second wood heater, set into a period timber surround. The dining space steps out through a sliding door onto the front verandah and down to the stone terrace, adjoining a country-style kitchen fitted with a freestanding gas cooktop, oven and dishwasher.

A hallway leads to two bedrooms, both with built-in robes, garden views and their own access to the verandah, one framed by its own bay window. A period-style bathroom serves this wing, with a freestanding claw-foot bath set beneath a rain shower, timber vanity and a toilet, along with a mudroom for the everyday business of country living.

A Lifehouse extension has been added to the cottage with a sympathetic hand, sitting comfortably alongside the original fabric. It brings a third bedroom with a high pitched ceiling, built-in robe, ensuite and its own access to a private rear courtyard, along with a laundry and separate toilet.

Beyond the house, the property is as practical as it is picturesque. A carport with storage and a concrete floor, a separate studio or home office with power connected, sheds and water tanks. An integrated solar system, solar hot water and an EV charger bring the property's sustainability credentials up to date, without disturbing its heritage character.

The garden is the quiet drawcard. Established trees give way to parkland lawns, a seasonal creek and a dam, on a generous 5579sqm (approx) allotment that backs directly onto the Castlemaine Diggings National Park, with the bush at the back of the garden and walking tracks leading straight from the boundary into the reserve.

The setting is peaceful and quiet, yet close to everything Chewton offers. The oval and the community swimming pool are just a short walk away, and Castlemaine is eight minutes by car, with train services connecting through to Melbourne and Bendigo.